Hannah Powell
(born 1753, died after 1793)

"...My young gentlewomen (his daughters)...are every Day up to their
Elbows in Housewifery, which will qualify them effectually for useful Wives& if they live long
enough, for Notable Women."

--Wm Byrd II to John Lord Boyle [2 Feb 1726/7 VMHB vol. 32 p. 30.]

Hannah Powell's day begins at sunrise, when her mother awakens her. She
dresses with Rose's help and is ready to accompany Mrs. Powell and
Rose to the market. Her training in the "arts and mysteries
of housewifery" has included the selection of fresh meat, fish
and produce. When they return to the house, Cate serves breakfast
to Mr. and Mrs. Powell and Hannah in the dining room.

After breakfast Hannah helps her mother with the planning and preparation
of dinner. Mrs. Powell and Nanny, the slave cook, taught Hannah to cook, and today she
is preparing a favorite dish of Mr. Powell's, sweet potatoe pudding.

Hannah works in the garden with Cate. She is learning about
gardening while supervising Cate. It is Hannah's responsibility to make sure that Cate
completes the work.

Hannah practices on the spinet harpsichord. Her father provided tutors
for Hannah and Nancy, at great expense, in reading, writing, ciphering, deportment, dancing,
music and fancy needlework. Social accomplishments and behavior allow them to meet
suitable young gentlemen. Hannah hopes to marry as well as her younger sister, who has
married up into the gentry.

Hannah and her mother attend to the endless sewing and
mending required of all women. Hannah attaches her freshly ironed sleeve ruffles, while
Mrs. Powell makes a cap and apron for her granddaughter, Elizabeth.

Mrs. Hoy, a friend of Mrs. Powell, arrives to help with the drying of herbs from the
garden and preparation of medicines, soap and cosmetics. Hannah is learning about family
medicine from her mother and Mrs. Hoy, but today she is most interested in the cosmetics.

Hannah is sent out to the laundry to check on Cate, who is boiling the
linens, and to find out whether Nanny has everything ready for the dinner table. Hannah
garnishes the various dinner dishes, under her mother's supervision, and directs Rose in
setting the table. She then dresses for dinner, arranges her hair and is ready to greet
the Geddys when they arrive for dinner.

Hannah has invited several of her friends to join the Powells and the Geddys
for music and dancing after dinner. Hannah's special friend, William,
plays the flute for the dancers. Hannah is impressed!

After a late light supper of leftovers from dinner, Hannah joins her parents for Bible reading
and evening prayers. She bids her mother and father a pleasant evening and goes to bed.